How to Estimate Chain Link Fence Materials

Chain-link fence is a good choice when security is the main reason for installing the fence.

Before starting any landscape improvement project, it's important to get all the parts, tools and equipment together. Otherwise, the job will be interrupted by trips to pick-up forgotten items. Moreover, the act of making a list of everything that is needed is an opportunity to become familiar with all the minute details involved in executing the project. When planning to install a chain-link fence, there is a simple process to follow to estimate the quantity of materials. Chain link fence construction is a standardized procedure, but the exact quantity of materials needed will depend on the customized layout required to enclose a specific area.

1

Measure the entire length of the planned fence. Determine the number and size of gates that will be used. Subtract the total width of the gates from the length of the entire enclosure to determine the length of chain-link fencing that needs to be purchased. This number will also be used to calculate the quantity of some of the other fence components. Double swing gates are used for vehicle entry and are usually found in either 10- or 12-foot widths. Single gates are used for pedestrian entry and are generally between 3 and 4 feet wide.

2

Add the number of terminal posts. These are required for each corner or end of a fence line, including where a section of fence ends in a gate, to support the tension of the fence and to hang the gates on.

3

Divide the total number of feet of fencing by 10 and subtract one. Add one for each corner post that will be used to find the total number of line posts needed for the project. These are smaller diameter posts used to support the fence along the length of each section and should be spaced a maximum of 10 feet apart.

4

Note the linear feet of top rail needed for the project. This is equivalent to the length of fence. The top rail will be mounted between each of the posts and clipped to the fencing to support it from above. Some top rail is tapered at one end so it slides easily into the next section of top rail. If the top rail does not have a tapered end, one top rail sleeve will be needed for each section of top rail to connect the pieces together. Additionally, one fence tie is needed for every 2 feet of top rail, as well as one for every foot of line post.

5

Calculate the quantities for the tensioning materials. The amount of tension wire needed corresponds to the length of fencing that will be used. Plus, one tension wire clip will be used for every 2 feet of tension wire. One tension bar is required for every end or gatepost and two will be needed for each corner post. Tension bands will be needed on every terminal post -- plan on one for every 12 to 16 inches of post height, but double the number for the corner posts. Purchase a 5/16-by-1-1/4-inch carriage bolt and nut for each tension band.

6

Add up the numbers for each piece of hardware needed for the installation of the fence. One terminal post cap and one line post top will be used for each terminal and line post, respectively. One rail end will be used for each end post and gatepost and two for each corner post, plus one rail end band is needed for every rail end.

7

Add up the quantities for the gate hardware. For each single walk gate, two gatepost hinges and two gate frame hinges will be needed. Each double drive gate will require two of each type of hinge. Each gatepost hinge uses one 3/8-by-3-inch carriage bolt and nut, and each gate frame hinge requires one 3/8-by-2-inch carriage bolt and nut. In addition, plan one gate fork latch for each gate.

8

Multiply the total number of posts by two to determine how many 60-pound bags of concrete are needed for the project.

Things You Will Need

Tape measure

Graph paper

Ruler

Calculator

Tips

Draw the layout of the fence on a large sheet of paper -- ideally on graph paper so it can easily be made to scale -- and use this as a worksheet for adding up the quantities needed for each component of the fence.

To determine the total cost of materials for the project, find the cost for each item and multiply it by the quantity needed.

Warning

Check local codes before building, since some jurisdictions regulate height and locations of fences.

About the Author

Brian Barth works in the fields of landscape architecture and urban planning and is co-founder of Urban Agriculture, Inc., an Atlanta-based design firm where he is head environmental consultant. He holds a Master's Degree in Environmental Planning and Design from the University of Georgia. His blog, Food for Thought, explores the themes of land use, urban agriculture, and environmental literacy.